TROY, Mich., May 11, 2006 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company's subsidiary Raytheon Professional Services LLC (RPS) was awarded a contract from Midas International Corporation to provide training services and technology for Midas' shop network throughout the United States and Canada. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

RPS will design and develop 99 hours of courseware targeted at Midas' 10,000 technicians working at nearly 1,800 locations. The curriculum will be structured in training paths enabling technicians to progress systematically from an entry level to more advanced levels.

Because of the geographic dispersion of Midas' technician population, accompanied by Midas' objective to minimize technicians' time away from the shop, more than half of the courseware will be developed for delivery via the Web. The balance of the courseware will be developed for delivery in highly interactive, hands-on workshops.

RPS will also design, develop, implement and host the Midas Learning System, a flexible, Web-based learning management system that will serve as the single point for Midas franchise training. Through the Midas Learning System, shop personnel will access course information and training paths, register for classes, launch Web-based and live virtual-classroom training, complete online assessments and maintain their training transcripts.

"The Midas Learning System is a key element in our effort to develop shop personnel and improve shop performance," said MaryBeth Costello, director of training at Midas. "We anticipate this subscription-based learning model will continue to gain momentum as we bring training closer to those who need it."

Other services to be provided under the contract include design and development of tools to evaluate training quality. RPS will also provide communications services to promote training among franchise personnel, as well as deliver assessment services to validate test questions accessed through the Midas Learning System that gauge trainees' mastery of skills and knowledge.

"Our comprehensive solution provides Midas a flexible, efficient approach to learning," said Russ O'Brien, executive director of RPS's North American operations. "We've leveraged our global experience with other automotive clients to design a solution that makes the right amount of training available to franchise personnel when they need it."

Midas (NYSE: MDS) is one of the world's largest providers of automotive service, offering brake, exhaust, maintenance, tires, steering and suspension services at 2,600 franchised, licensed and company-owned Midas shops in 19 countries, including nearly 1,800 in the United States and Canada.

Raytheon Professional Services LLC is a global leader in learning services and outsourcing. With 750 learning professionals serving clients in 50 countries and 25 languages, Raytheon Professional Services designs and executes learning solutions that improve the performance of clients' extended enterprises.

Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN), with 2005 sales of $21.9 billion, is an industry leader in defense and government electronics, space, information technology, technical services, and business and special mission aircraft. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 80,000 people worldwide.

  Contact:
  Jeff Lucas
  972.344.1092

SOURCE: Raytheon Company

CONTACT: Jeff Lucas of Raytheon Company, +1-972-344-1092

Web site: http://www.raytheon.com/